Cold Weather Survival - Long Term

Read Selco First 

I read this and it brought me back to some memories of time in the field where it seemed every moment in your thoughts was the pain and misery of being cold.  Either your feet hurt or you were shivering and often both.  The thing you learn is that your body isn't designed for extreme temps and that clothing is your shelter if you don't have shelter.  With that in mind find the best shelter you can get.   Money isn't the main factor in getting it either.

One thing I suggest is to look for military surplus clothing that includes an outer shell of a water repellent breathing material.  Get at least one size larger than you would normally wear and maybe two sizes because you're going to want many layers underneath.  If you can only find woodland or camouflage versions of this consider not having it as your final outer layer but instead having something less conspicuous over it in a neutral color.  Of course in the snow even a sheet with stretch ties will do or a ski jacket shell.

Interior clothing is best to have air pockets and you can find wool it is one of the best ways to stay warm even when damp.  Newer synthetics are lighter and wick better so this is an option.

Against your skin you might best go with water drawing material that is permeable so that you don't build up a water layer against your skin.  I stay away from cotton unless it is for comfort like flannel and I'm ready to remove it if it gets wet.    Flannel pajamas work well for an under layer beneath oversized pants like Khaki designs.  You can still add water repellent pants.  If you do this make sure you wear underwear under that to reduced the need to wash it as often.  In a shtf scenario this will make you feel cleaner if you can change out undergarments.

Get some waterproof  and heavy insulated boots.  You can find these for $50 at Wally World and though you may not want to travel any distance in these they are superb for saving your feet against wet and cold.

There are many other ways to survive the elements and these are just my personal methods so do your research but whatever you do spend some time putting together your cold weather kit. 

Keeping your feet warm - a quick fix